5 Hot Photography Destinations

2. Mykonos, Greek Islands

History oozes seductively from the very walls, the very pathways and even the sea in historic Mykonos, and it plays a key role in the appeal of the island and the old town of the same name. This history can be memorably captured by photographing the well-known windmills of Mykonos, as well as its white-painted streets, the Old Port of Mykonos Town, SuperParadise Beach (scenically, it lives up to its name), Old Mykonos, and the Little Venice of Mykonos.

Local routine and special occasions have prompted residents to become terrific character studies for great shots as well. Foggy dawns and colorful sunsets contribute to diverse qualities of light, empowering a deft, artistic hand to capture the beauty that surrounds the deep history here.

Kodak moment: If you’re on a scooter or in a car, it’s only an easy 15-minute trip to the top of the island, where spectacular panoramic photos of Mykonos are easily taken.

3. Cannes, France

As Cannes is best-known for its famed May film festival, during which time the city is flush with celebrities and a seemingly equal number of paparazzi, unless the latter is your preferred photographic medium, it is best (and more affordable) to see the permanent appeal here during Cannes’ short summer tourist season from late June to early September.

Quaint architecture and charming characters abound and are amenable to the photographer. Cannes’ natural charms remain delightfully unspoiled, including astounding seascapes of the deep azure ocean. The Port of Cannes, particularly from an elevated position or in the soft light of dawn or dusk, really captures the heart of this famed city — without a single misbehaving Hollywood type.

Kodak moment: Panoramic photographs of the city from La Californie, the hillside of Cannes with mansions overlooking the town, are breathtaking.

4. South Beach, Florida

South Beach, Miami Beach’s southernmost point, is on most jetsetters’ itineraries. Interestingly, the same attractions that bring legions of tourists are also those that appeal to the camera-toting traveler. Great things to shoot are South Beach’s unique Tropical Art Deco architecture, characterized by playful themes and soft, pastel colors; the environmental beauty of the Atlantic Ocean abutting café-laden Ocean Drive; celebrities galore; and, on major avenues Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road, Collins Avenue, and Washington Avenue, a disproportionate number of models and other beautiful people in bustling nightclubs and world-class restaurants or just walking their dogs.

Kodak moment: The ultimate South Beach photo opportunity is Ocean Drive's Deco-influenced “strip” as seen from the shoreline looking back west, or better yet, from a boat or helicopter.